Every time I think this story might wind up as an unfinished tale, Image surprises me and produces another issue. The stop and start production (no doubt a result of Straczynski's heavy schedule) has killed a lot of my interest in the series, but I can't deny that each issue rekindles it to some degree, and this is another interesting chapter as the story heads toward a conclusion. The change in artwork to Brent Anderson has given Straczynski a lot more effectiveness in storytelling, and the bloody combat that takes up most of this issue wouldn't be anywhere as effective without the art change.
As with the "solution" of the Middle East problem, the Specials' solution for nuclear proliferation seems rather simple-minded and almost goofy, but it gets across the point that Straczynski is making, that these powerful people are trying to change the world. The response of the sinister military advisor is likewise a bit too knowingly nefarious, but it again gets the point across. So while the subtleties often seem not-so-subtle, Straczynski is making his story plain to the readers.
Most of this issue belongs to a big fight between the military and one of the big name Specials, and it's impressive both visually and in terms of importance to the story. Anderson does not shy away from the blood and nasty effects of the combat, and the result is that it looks like Jason is just being brutalized by a more powerful foe. Despite the Specials theoretically being the ones with more power, the impression the story gives is that they are the underdogs, which is crucial to making us feel for these protagonists.
Probably the most interesting part of the issue, however, happens in the close, as Straczynski takes the chance to comment on the current state of political affairs as it relates to the fictional world of the Specials. It's not a point that has been lost on most, at this point, that the government is taking advantage of the 9-11 attacks to push a social agenda that is a little frightening, and Straczynski underlines that point nicely for those who have missed it. That it ties into the story of Rising Stars is a happy coincidence, brought about by the delays in the story that have resulted in it ending literally years after it would have if it had stuck to its monthly story.
In the end, it's that "when will we see another issue" schedule that has changed my appreciation for the series. While Rising Stars, like Babylon 5, looks terrific when you step back and look at the whole, it does not share with Babylon 5 as much enjoyable storytelling on a standalone basis.
